Frequently Asked Questions How do I join Band or Color Guard? Visit the JOIN! page to find information on how to join any of our ensembles as well as how to sign up for Band Camp. The Marching Band and Color Guard season begins with Band Camp in early August. Families are encouraged to sign up for Band Camp by July so that you are added to the Fall season roster. Is Band Camp mandatory? All students planning on participating in our Fall Marching Band and Color Guard unit are expected to attend our BAND CAMP at the beginning of August. If an unavoidable conflict arises where a student cannot make this event, they must contact the band director to be put on the roster so that they do not fall behind. Does Marching Band count towards Physical Education credit? Yes! Students need 2 years of P.E. and are required to complete one of those years as a Freshmen. Two seasons of Marching Band will count toward the second year of P.E. Are students required to be in the marching band if they are enrolled in an instrumental class? Students enrolled in any band class are strongly encouraged to attend Band Camp in August. Besides being one of the most popular performing groups on campus, marching band is a great opportunity to make friends and improve your skills dramatically by learning from our incredible instructional staff. Our Fall marching season runs from August through mid-November. Is it safe to play together on campus yet? Yes, instrumental ensembles in the SRVUSD have been meeting in person for safe outdoor rehearsals. All decisions made regarding student safety will be made with district and administrative approval. As safety guidelines change, we will continue to monitor all CDC, state, county and district guidance and regulations as we create performer protocols for students to return to in-person playing for the coming school year. What costs are associated with joining the music program? All students participating in an instrumental music ensemble are asked to submit a Fair Share Participant Contribution. Details on Participant Contribution amounts are covered at the Band Camp parent meeting, during classes, and during Back to School Night at the start of the year. You can find info on our PARTICIPANT CONTRIBUTION page. All payments are made via Cal High’s FutureFund registration system. Can I join Band as a Sophomore/ Junior/ Senior? Yes! It is never too late to join any of our ensembles! Do I have to audition to join an instrumental ensemble? Students do not need to audition to join Marching Band & Color Guard, Symphonic Band, Orchestra or Winter Guard/Percussion. Advanced ensembles such as Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble do require an audition. As an incoming Freshman, can I audition to be placed in an advanced ensemble? Incoming students are allowed to audition for advanced ensembles, but this is decided mainly based on instrumentation need. Freshmen musicians should expect to be enrolled in an entry-level ensemble. Can I join Band if I don't play an instrument? Yes! We encourage any student interested in learning a new wind or percussion instrument to sign up for Symphonic Band and Marching Band! Can students check out instruments from the school? Large wind instruments (tuba, trombone, baritone, bass clarinet, tenor/bari sax) are available for check out. We have some smaller instruments available for check out (flutes, clarinets, trumpets, alto saxophones) on a very limited basis. String instruments are available on a limited basis. Families will need to fill out an instrument rental agreement form to use a school-owned instrument. As a parent, how can I get involved? All parents are encouraged to participate in our Cal High Instrumental Music Booster club! There are many positions and committees to serve on, including equipment road crew, hospitality, spirit wear, social media, photographer/videographer, and helping with various events throughout the year! Go to our VOLUNTEER page to learn more! How long is the marching band season? Does marching band go all year? Our Marching Band season lasts from Band Camp (beginning of August) through mid-November. See our Marching Band and Color Guard Rehearsal Schedule on our MARCHING BAND page What is the time commitment for Marching Band rehearsals? The Cal High Marching Band and Color Guard meets on Monday and Wednesday evenings during the Fall, as well as some Saturday afternoon/evenings. The Marching Band performs at all Friday home football games as well as 4-5 Saturday field competitions and a few parades and rallies in the Fall. Can a student join marching band and also participate in sports or other extra-curricular activities? Yes! Our Marching Band and Color Guard students are involved in many sports and clubs! The Band Director meets with coaches to create a conflict schedule so that Band/Sports students always know where they need to be on a given day. Do ensembles participate in Spring performance tours? Our advanced ensembles have the opportunity to participate in a Spring Performance Tour. These trips are dependent on amount of student sign-ups and ensemble fundraising. Where can families go to learn about upcoming music events? Go to the EVENTS page. We will also share event updates via our Facebook and Instagram accounts, and we send out a regular Instrumental Music newsletter to enrolled families.

Rehearsal and Performance Dates Thursday, February 24- After School Rehearsal 3:30-5:00pm in Band Room Wednesday, March 2nd- **8th Grade Night Welcome Rally Performance** 5:30-6:15pm, Call time 5:15 in Band Room Thursday, April 21- After School Rehearsal 3:30-5:00pm in Band Room Thursday, May 19- After School Rehearsal 3:30-5:00pm in Band Room Friday May 20- **Pine Valley 8th Grade Promotion** (DRUMLINE ONLY) Call time 9:15pm at Pine Valley Middle School Thursday, May 26- After School Rehearsal 3:30-5:00pm in Band Room Sunday, May 29- **San Ramon Art and Wind Festival** Call time 11:30am at Iron Horse Middle School

2022-2023 Cal High Jazz Auditions Students interested in participating in our Cal High Jazz program should sign up for an audition day. Auditions will be held in the Cal High Band Room on the following dates: Tuesday, April 19th, 3:30-6:00 PM Wednesday, April 20th, 3:30-6:00 PM Use the link below to sign up for an audition day. Piano, full drum set, bass/guitar amps & cables will be provided. Drummers, please bring your own sticks. Students who are auditioning should prepare the following: SAXOPHONES, TRUMPETS AND TROMBONES 1. Perform the following major scales (1 or 2 octaves) Concert Bb Concert Eb Concert F 2. Play a prepared piece of your choice (no more than 1 minute in length) that showcases technical or expressive skill. If you are in a school jazz ensemble, you may choose a selection from your jazz ensemble repertoire (no more than 1 minute). 3. (Optional) Solo over F 12-bar blues backing track Link to practice F Blues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bg-Ea7aCb1E DRUM SET 1. Demonstrate the following “rhythmic feels": Medium swing Medium rock or funk (Optional) : Bossa Nova and Up Tempo Swing 2. Play a prepared piece of your choice (no more than 1 minute in length). If you are in a school jazz ensemble, you may choose a selection from your jazz ensemble repertoire (no more than 1 minute). BASS, PIANO, GUITAR 1. Perform all the major scales you know (1 or 2 octaves) 2. Play a prepared piece of your choice (no more than 1 minute in length) that showcases your technical or expressive skill. If you are in a school jazz ensemble, you may choose a selection from your jazz ensemble repertoire (no more than 1 minute). 3. (OPTIONAL) Demonstrate familiarity with the following chord structures. Piano and guitar please use jazz chord voicings. Bassists, for each chord play the root, third, fifth, and seventh of each chord quality. C Major 7 C Dominant 7 c minor 7th c minor 7th b5 AUDITION SIGN-UP FORM 2022-2023 Cal High Chamber Orchestra Auditions Students wishing to enter the Cal High Chamber Orchestra must submit an online audition. Auditions are open to all violin, viola, cello and double bass musicians. Use the link below to access Google Classroom audition site. (You'll need to sign in with a gmail account) SUBMIT AUDITIONS HERE

Come play with the Cal High Marching Band! SIGN UP HERE!

Awards & Regalia Concert Attire program handbook Stores & Equipment program sign up Honor Bands Resources Want to stay organized and informed throughout the school year? Our collection of resource pages is your one-stop hub for everything you need to support your student’s success in the Cal High Instrumental Music Program. Start with the Store & Equipment page, where you’ll find links to required gear, spirit wear, and options for purchasing or borrowing instruments. The Music Handbook is essential reading - it outlines key policies, expectations, and procedures for all students involved in band, orchestra, and color guard. For students eager to grow musically and socially, don’t miss the Honor Bands page. These advanced ensembles offer students the chance to perform challenging music, build connections with talented peers across the region and beyond, and gain valuable experience for college scholarship auditions. Visit the Awards & Regalia section to learn about special recognitions available to our musicians, including “Varsity” Block Letters, Honor Cords, and Graduation Stoles that celebrate commitment and achievement. Our Concert Attire page provides dress requirements for each class and emphasizes the importance of a clean, polished, and professional appearance to reflect ensemble pride. Whether you’re new or returning, be sure to complete the Music Program Sign-Up Form to officially register for the upcoming season. These resource pages are designed to keep you informed, connected, and ready for an exciting and successful year in music!

New Member & Returning Member Orientation Meetings New Member Orientation 🗓️ Date: Thursday April 17, 2025 📍 Location: Cal High Theater ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM Returning Member Orientation 🗓️ Date: Thursday April 24, 2025 📍 Location: Cal HighBand Room ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM This orientation meeting will go over everything you need to know about the music program at Cal High. If you are interested in starting a new instrument 🎷, continuing the same instrument 🎺, or playing in a new ensemble 🎼, we will go over all of the necessary materials to help you get started. We will discuss all of the classes 🏛️ offered for the music program as well as auditions, prerequisites, calendar dates 🗓️, and volunteering opportunities.This will be a great opportunity to meet fellow members, our student leadership team, instructional staff, parents, and the executive booster board to learn more about our organization and ask any questions you may have. We are asking if you are going to be in the instrumental music program this coming year that you attend one of these meetings. If you are a new member you only need to come to the new member meeting. Thursday April 17, 2025. If you are a returning member you only need to come to the returning member meeting. Thursday April 24, 2025. This meeting is open to all students and parents.If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact Bob Grigas, Director of Instrumental Music at CHS, at rgrigas@srvusd.net

Fundraisers Shop at Bricks & Minifigs from Dec 11 - Dec 13. Show the QR code below during Checkout Dine at Dos Coyotes Border Cafe from Dec 1st to Dec 7th between 11:30am and 8pm With every purchase of a Gingerbread House, The Chocolate Dozen will give 20% of its proceeds to Cal High Music. Order through December 12th or while supplies last Concert Concessions Enjoy sweet treats from The Chocolate Dozen at our upcoming Winter Concerts! We’ll be featuring festive favorites including Gingerbread Cookies, Ube Furikake Chex Mix, and Peppermint Chocolate Cookies. Supplies are limited, so be sure to stop by the concession tables before the concert and during intermission to grab these popular treats while they last!

MEDIA INSTAGRAM Instrumental Program: @calhighmusic Color Guard: @calhighguard Percussion: @calhighpercussion Orchestra: @californiahighorchestras Music Boosters: @calhighmusicboosters FACEBOOK @calhighmusic YOUTUBE @CalHighMusic

Honor Ensembles Students who participate in honor bands are exposed to challenging music, incredible experiences, and they can help pave the way for success when preparing for college scholarship auditions. Honor bands are also great places to make new friends with students from around the community, state, or country. Below is a list of local and state honor bands. Many major universities offer honor band opportunities, so feel free to explore additional opportunities. All-State Honor EnsEmbleS These ensembles are sponsored by the California Band Directors Association (CBDA) and the California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA). All audition recordings and materials must be submitted by the CHS Music Director (TBD). Honor Band and Orchestra performances are held at the CASMEC conference in February. For more information, go to: Band: https://cbda.org/all-state-ensembles/auditions/ Orchestra: https://www.codaorchestras.org/high-school-all-state-orchestras/ Contra Costa County Honor Band Info for the CCCHB can be found at www.cccbda.org All Northern Honor Band The NCBA All Northern Honor Band is an exciting event for advanced music students to perform under the baton of highly respected music educators. The Honor Band performance takes place in Stockton typically around mid-January. The audition materials are the same for both CBDA and NCBA Honor Bands. Scales/etudes for honor bands as well as CAJ instrumental jazz materials are already posted on CBDA website. Honor Orchestra audition materials are posted on CODA website. For audition info, go to: https://www.ncbaonline.net/?page_id=176 National Honor Ensembles Music for All presents three positively life-changing honor ensemble experiences for the nation’s outstanding high school concert band, orchestra, and jazz musicians. As part of the Music for All National Festival, the honor ensembles provide a national stage and world-class learning and performance opportunities with distinguished conductors, artists, and master teachers. For audition info, please visit: https://festival.musicforall.org/honor-ensembles/

Wednesday, August 17, 2022 California High School Band Room 6:00-8:00 PM Our Instrument Petting Zoo event is a free workshop for students to learn more about each instrument and find out which is right for them! This is the perfect event to get your child ready to join Band and Orchestra! Instruments available to test: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Violin, Viola, and Cello! Representatives from Local Music Stores will be present to provide you with instrument purchase and rental information! Participating SRVUSD Schools: Montevideo, Twin Creeks, Bollinger Canyon, Walt Disney, Neil Armstrong, Country Club, Pine Valley, Iron Horse, Cal High

PROGRAM HANDBOOK Volunteer Signups Potluck Signup BAND CAMP At Band Camp, you'll spend a week bonding with your fellow bandmates in sections, working on technique and learning fun music. By the end of camp, you'll feel right at home with the Cal High Band! Camp activities will be monitored to ensure students are getting plenty of water breaks and time in the shade. The majority of camp will be outdoors, so it is very important that all students bring the proper items to have a successful and safe experience. BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS: Be on time and prepared. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled rehearsal time. Be respectful of the equipment and the space you use. If you borrow an instrument from the school, treat it as you would your personal instrument. Help clean up all spaces at the end of rehearsal blocks. There will be time for fun and games, and time for focus and hard work. Be respectful toward your instructional staff. Have fun and be willing to meet new people! The people you meet at band camp may end up becoming your best friends! WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP: Hat and sunglasses Backpack Sunscreen Lunch A mechanical pencil and 3-ring binder with sheet protectors for all music/exercises (instrumentalists only, not guard) Rehearsal Water Jug (must be at least 32 oz; half-gallon recommended: Coleman 1-gallon Beverage Cooler Jug ) Flip Folders and Lyres (required for wind musicians, see Mr. G if you are unsure of which one to buy) Flip Folders Brass Lyres Woodwind Lyres Ear protection (required for drumline members), recommended: Vic Firth Regular High Fidelity Ear Plugs Wind players: Instrument in working condition, including mouthpiece/extra reeds. Shoe lace or string to hang dotbook around neck during rehearsal 3x5 spiral notebook for drill Color Guard: Please wear clothing you can stretch in. Your hair must be pulled back away from your face. No obtrusive jewelry. All members: Please keep in mind that you will be moving all day. Dress in comfortable athletic clothing and running shoes. No jeans. No sandals/flip flops. PARTICIPANT SAFETY We will be following the current state and district guidelines to ensure all members are safe and comfortable during our Camp. Any changes to district guidelines will be communicated to all families via email. 🎶 Band Camp Schedule 🎶 📅 August 4 – August 9, 2025. *Students will need to provide their own lunch* Monday Camp Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm Lunch: 12:00pm – 1:00pm * Drumline Practice: 8:00am – 2:00pm, 6:00pm – 9:00pm Tuesday - Friday Camp Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm Lunch: 12:00pm – 1:00pm * Drumline Practice: 9:00am – 2:00pm, 6:00pm – 9:00pm Saturday Camp Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm Lunch: 12:00pm – 1:00pm * Drumline Practice: 9:00am – 4:00pm Break: 4:00pm – 5:00pm Parent Preview: 5:00pm – 6:00pm Potluck Dinner: 6:00pm See Potluck SignUp to bring a dish